Major trauma service

The Scottish Trauma Network was established in 2017. Their mission statement is:

““To improve and optimise the health and wellbeing of the seriously injured. Helping them, their families, each other and our nation. Pioneering clinical excellence, health intelligence, innovation, education and research”

Scottish Trauma Network | Saving Lives. Giving Life Back.

There are 4 Major Trauma Centres in Scotland (Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh). Fife is part of the South East Trauma Network, with the Major Trauma Centre at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Fife also works closely with the Ninewells Hospital Major Trauma Centre in Dundee (East of Scotland Trauma Network) due to the closeness geographically. The Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, is a Trauma Unit.

Major Trauma Centre – Major Trauma Service, Edinburgh

People with major trauma injuries admitted to hospital in Fife are referred to the Major Trauma Co-ordinators by the treating clinicians in the Emergency Department (ED).  This can be done via the ED electronic handover or via the STAG co-ordinator.  Once under the care of the Major Trauma Co-ordinators, patients and their families have on-going direct access to the Major Trauma Co-coordinator throughout their rehabilitation journey.  Patients can call directly at any time, if support is needed with anything related to the trauma. 

People who experience major trauma usually have a rehabilitation plan written (occasionally it is not necessary). The rehabilitation plan clearly documents the injuries, goals and management plan and is shared and updated by the treating clinicians. The rehabilitation plan follows patients throughout their rehabilitation journey from acute to community services, optimising communication and ensuring identified needs are met.

The Major Trauma Co-ordinators in Scotland have a strong network across the country.  This network allows for referrals to be made into our service from other health boards.  If a Fife resident is injured out with Fife, or is being treated in a Major Trauma Centre, a repatriation request is made by the referring service Major Trauma Co-ordinator to the Fife Major Trauma Co-ordinators, who co-ordinate the repatriation.  The Rehabilitation Plan is shared so that care can be transferred smoothly. The Major Trauma Co-ordinators have links with other Major Trauma services throughout the UK and can also assist with repatriation from abroad.

People who have experienced major trauma are invited to take part in 3 questionnaires, which allow us to understand how their quality of life is now compared to before their injury. The questionnaires have questions relating to injuries and experiences of healthcare. This is a project facilitated by the Scottish Trauma Audit Group (part of Public Health Scotland) and aims to improve the care for future patients.

Further information can be found on the STAG website http://www.stag.scot.nhs.uk and on the Public Health Scotland website http://publichealthscotland.scot

The public health Scotland privacy notice can be accessed through http://publichealthscotland.scot/our-privacy-notice/.

Relatives, friends, carers or health professionals can help people fill out the questionnaires, if needed.  A clinician from the Major Trauma Service invites people to take part in this project, usually whilst people are still in hospital. The first questionnaire is completed soon after injury and the next ones are done at 6 months and 1 year after injury.  It is voluntary.  People can choose not to take part at any time and this will not affect their care.

Major Trauma leaflet